Single-Phase (220 V) Electric Motor Prices: 5 Factors That Set the Price

If you only have single-phase 220 V electricity at home, in a small workshop, a garden or on a farm, the motor you can use is a single-phase motor. When you ask for prices, even two single-phase motors of the same power can differ. In this article we explain what determines the price of a single-phase motor, the mistakes people make when asking for a price on the phone, and when a three-phase motor is more economical.

1. Power (kW)

Power is the biggest price factor. HEM Motor’s single-phase range covers 0.18 kW to 5.5 kW. As power increases, the frame, copper winding and lamination stack grow, and so does the price.

Buying an oversized motor raises the price and also draws more current on a single-phase line at start-up. Use the power shown on your old motor’s nameplate.

2. Speed

Single-phase motors are made in 3000, 1500, 1000 and 750 rpm options. At the same power, the lower the speed, the larger the frame; that is why a low-speed motor costs more. Pumps and fans usually use 3000 or 1500 rpm, mixers and geared machines 1000 or 750 rpm.

3. Capacitor arrangement and starting power

A single-phase motor cannot start turning on its own; a capacitor provides the start. The capacitor arrangement also affects the price:

• Single (run) capacitor motor: Suitable for light-start jobs such as fans, extractors and pumps that start unloaded. More affordable.
• Start + run capacitor motor: Needed for compressors, pumps that start under load and machines that start loaded. More expensive because it has an extra capacitor and switching element.

Using a light-start motor on a hard-start job can cause the motor to fail to start and the winding to overheat and burn. Choose the motor that suits the job, not the cheapest one.

4. Mounting type

How the motor attaches to the machine also changes the price. The foot-mounted (B3) motor is the most common type. Flange (B5, B14) or foot-and-flange (B35) motors need an extra end shield and machining, so the price differs. If it replaces an old motor, the mounting type and shaft size must be the same.

5. Protection class

Single-phase motors are offered with IP44 or IP55 protection. For a motor working outdoors or in a dusty or humid environment, IP55 should be preferred. Better sealing is reflected in the price but extends the motor’s life.

3 mistakes when asking for a price on the phone

1. Giving only the power: “How much is a 1.5 kW single-phase?” cannot be answered correctly. Speed, mounting type and starting load must also be stated.
2. Not mentioning the starting load: If the motor is for a compressor or a pump that starts under load, always say so; otherwise the price you get is for the wrong motor.
3. Not checking the supply: If your workplace has three-phase power (380–400 V), a three-phase motor is often more economical than a single-phase one.

Single-phase or three-phase? A cost comparison

At the same power, a three-phase motor is generally smaller, more robust and more economical than a single-phase motor. It needs no capacitor and has higher starting power. Especially for jobs above 3 kW, if a three-phase supply is available, a three-phase motor should be preferred.

To see current three-phase motor prices right away and order immediately, go to our Buy Electric Motors (online shop) section. There, the price, VAT-inclusive amount and bank-transfer discounted price are shown for each of our 117 three-phase motors. For more on prices, see the Three-Phase Electric Motor Prices page.

How do I get a single-phase motor price?

You can find the technical features of our single-phase range on the Single-Phase Electric Motor (220 V) page. For current price and stock, send us the power, speed, mounting type and the job the motor is for via WhatsApp or call +90 532 345 49 86; we will reply the same day.